Abd el-Kader

Algerian resistance leader who became global humanitarian icon

Abd el-Kader ibn Muhieddine (1808-1883) led Algeria's resistance against French colonization from 1832-1847, employing innovative guerrilla tactics. After surrendering, he reinvented himself as a global peacemaker:

• Saved 12,000 Christians during 1860 Damascus riots
• Co-designed first Red Cross disaster response protocols
• Established Sufi-inspired democratic governance model

His 1847 surrender agreement became template for modern POW protections. French newspapers later hailed him as 'the Saint of Islam' for his humanitarian efforts.